Xiao-Wen Cheng

Xiao-Wen Cheng is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Miami University, affiliated with the Cell, Molecular and Structural Biology Graduate Program. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of insect-specific viruses, particularly baculoviruses and ascoviruses, with implications for biological pest control and fundamental virology.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Entomology from Clemson University (1998). This foundation has supported his extensive research in viral host-range determination and gene expression strategies.

• Ph.D. in Entomology, Clemson University, 1998

Dr. Cheng's research interests lie primarily in understanding host-range factors of baculoviruses and gene transcription strategies of ascoviruses. His work explores how wide host-range viruses like Autographa californica MNPV (AcMNPV) can enhance replication of narrow host-range viruses such as ThorMNPV and SeMNPV, potentially through secretion of cellular factors. He also investigates whether ascovirus late genes are terminated by stem-loop structures, similar to bacterial systems. His laboratory employs techniques including recombinant DNA, fluorescent reporter systems, and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

The recent publications reveal a strong focus on viral genomics, particularly whole-genome sequencing and analysis of ascovirus isolates (e.g., HvAV-3i, HvAV-3h, Trichoplusia ni ascovirus 6b). Additional themes include optimization of baculovirus expression systems (e.g., pFastBac vectors, SV40 polyA effects), viral entry mechanisms, and the role of specific viral proteins like FP25K in replication and morphogenesis. These studies span molecular virology, genomics, and biotechnology applications.

Scientific contributions include collaborative work on viral taxonomy, notably the ICTV report on Ascoviridae, and proposals for higher-order viral classification such as "Megavirales". While specific awards are not listed, these publications in high-impact journals reflect scholarly recognition.

Dr. Cheng actively mentors graduate students through his involvement in the Cell, Molecular and Structural Biology Graduate Program. His research is likely supported by external grants, given the technical sophistication of his work involving genomic analyses, recombinant systems, and cell culture. He has not reported any patents or major collaborative industry partnerships in the provided text.

His laboratory conducts advanced virological research using insect cell lines (Sf21, Hi5, BmN) and molecular tools to dissect viral replication, gene expression, and host interactions. The team utilizes fluorescent tagging, bacmid systems, and next-generation sequencing approaches to study both baculoviruses and ascoviruses.